Trees offer considerably more than just food. Animals abuse young trees by using them as convenient rubbing posts.

As their upward growth slows, their defenses against fungi disappear. One broken-off branch is enough to provide a port of entry.

Under the giants’ bare branches, Liverleafs & Co. seize the opportunity to produce the carbohydrates they need for the following year.

Many trees in North America are adapted to natural cycles of ground fires.

In essence, then, trees disinfect their surroundings. But that isn’t all.

The scientist counted 2,041 animals belonging to 257 different species.48 Tree crowns even contain specialized wetland habitats.

When I think about the research results, in particular in conjunction with the crackling roots I mentioned earlier, it seems to me that these vibrations could indeed be much more than just vibrations—they could be cries of thirst.

Coppicing was popular because people were so poor in those days that they couldn’t afford to wait any longer for new wood.

Fruit trees, willows, and chestnuts use their olfactory missives to draw attention to themselves and invite passing bees to sate themselves.